New Scientist


The 85-million-year timeline of human evolution

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Combining archaeological evidence with ancient DNA and data on past climates shows us how long and winding the story of human evolution is, stretching back millions of years to when the first primates arose


Three factors in midlife can delay the onset of dementia by 13 years

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 20:00:00 +0000

A study involving 12,000 adults in the US suggests that taking action to prevent dementia during your 50s can make a big difference later in life


Swallowing faecal capsules reduces peanut allergy in six adults

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 18:00:00 +0000

Altering the gut microbiomes of people with peanut allergy using faeces donated from an allergy-free individual improved their peanut tolerance in a clinical trial


We must adapt to climate change while also tackling the root cause

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +0000

The devastating wildfires in Europe demand urgent measures to make landscapes more resilient, but without action to reduce use of fossil fuels, the danger is only going to increase


Twisteddoodles: ‘Will you take the red pill or the blue pill?’

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +0000

This week's cartoon from Twisteddoodles


Tom Gauld visits the entomology department

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +0000

Tom Gauld's weekly cartoon


This week’s new questions

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +0000

Humans can see water but not air. So can fish see air? And would it be possible to have anti-black holes, and how could we tell if we were looking at one?


Why don’t dogs look up when a low-flying plane passes overhead? part 2

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +0000

Readers continue to give their examples of dogs who do notice passing aircraft – but also put forward some ideas as to why they generally don’t


How does my energy use differ if I walk, jog or run for 1 kilometre?

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +0000

A reader weighs in on this one – and finds it will depend on how far you’re travelling


At what point does my family tree stop doubling and start decreasing?

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +0000

Readers debate how the introduction of bicycles and trains will have led to less closely related prospective partners for our ancestors – and consider various royal dynasties from this perspective